Introduction

Naranathu Branthan was born 1500 years back as the son of Vararuchi, the famous astrologer of that time, who adorned the court of King Vikramadithya. Naranathu Branthan was one among the twelve off springs of Parayi, the wife of 'Vararuchi' and was brought up in the 'Naranathu Mangalathu Mana' which is situated at Chettalloor in Palakkad district, Kerala. He came to Thiruvegappura in Palakkad district for mastering 'Vedas'. Thiruvegappura and the nearby Rayiranelloor Maountain, which is known as 'Branthachalam', became his usual abode. Due to his strange behavior and odd activities, people perceived him as 'mad'. At Rayiranellor Mountain he had the vision of the Goddess, 'DEVI' and later for the benevolence of the people he enshrined ‘DEVI’ in the Mountain and started his worship there. No clear descriptions have yet been received of Naranath's last days.